Method and apparatus for acquiring image characteristics

• US 20050053281A1
• Filed: 09/06/2003
• Published: 03/10/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/06/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: GoodNews Business Limited
• Original Assignee: Match Lab, Inc.
• Inventors: Frazer, David A.
• Application Number:
  US10/656,610
• Publication Number:
  US 20050053281A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/168
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00002 Diagnosis, testing or measuring; Detecting, analysing or monitoring not otherwise provided for error detection, error correction or monitoring in digital computers or digital computer components G06F11/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00005 relating to image data
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00039 Analysis, i.e. separating and studying components of a greater whole
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00087 Setting or calibrating picture signal circuits H04N1/40

Abstract

An apparatus and method for determining characteristics of an input image. The method includes the step of receiving a single pixel stream of the input image. Next, the method sub-samples data from the single pixel stream at programmable intervals. Finally, the method creates a histogram with characteristics of the input image based on the sub-sampled data. By determining characteristics of the input image, the method facilitates subsequent imaging processing functions.

Claims

1. A method for determining characteristics of an input image, the method comprising the steps of:

receiving a single pixel stream of the input image;

sub-sampling data from the single pixel stream at programmable intervals; and

creating a histogram with characteristics of the input image based on the sub-sampled data.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of receiving the single pixel stream further comprises the steps of:

scanning the input image; and

pre-analyzing the input image to compensate for inadequacies associated with scanning.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the single pixel stream is sub-sampled on a line basis.

4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the single pixel stream is sub-sampled on a pixel basis.

5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the histogram maintains data to determine whether the input image is color or black and white, photo or text, low in contrast or high in contrast, and dark or light.

6. The method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of determining a maximum and minimum value, a first and last value, and an average value for each characteristic of the input image.

7. The method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of substituting transition pixels with stable pixels to compensate for sampling effects.

8. The method according to claim 1 wherein single pixel stream is truncated to a minimal number of bits to reduce a depth of the histogram.

9. The method according to claim 1 wherein determining characteristics of the input image facilitates subsequent imaging processing functions.

10. An apparatus for determining characteristics of an input image, the apparatus comprising:

receiving means for receiving a single pixel stream of the input image;

sub-sampling means for sub-sampling data from the single pixel stream at programmable intervals; and

a histogram that maintains characteristics of the input image based on the sub-sampled data;

11. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the receiving means stream further comprises:

a scanner for scanning the input image; and

pre-analysis means to compensate for inadequacies associated with scanning.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the single pixel stream is sub-sampled on a line basis.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the single pixel stream is sub-sampled on a pixel basis.

14. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the histogram maintains data to determine whether the input image is color or black and white, photo or text, low in contrast or high in contrast, and dark or light.

15. The apparatus according to claim 10 further comprising a means for determining a maximum and minimum value, a first and last value, and an average value for each characteristic of the input image.

16. The apparatus according to claim 10 further comprising a means for substituting transition pixels with stable pixels to compensate for sampling effects.

17. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein single pixel stream is truncated to a minimal number of bits to reduce a depth of the histogram.

18. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein determining characteristics of the input image facilitates subsequent imaging processing functions.